Implement transport structure

ABSTRACT

A pull-type crop harvester having a crop harvesting platform mounted on a wheeled frame. The platform is elongated transversely to the normal forward direction of travel during a crop harvesting operation. The frame includes a hitch tongue connectible to the towing tractor. The hitch tongue is pivotable to a position transverse to the forward direction of travel. A transport wheel is carried on the hitch tongue for engaging the ground when the hitch tongue is in the transverse position whereby the crop harvester may be towed in an endwise direction. An auxiliary hitch pole is connectible between an end of the harvester and the tractor for the endwise transport.

United States Patent 1191 Molzahn et al.

[ Aug. 14, 1973 IMPLEMENT TRANSPORT STRUCTURE 3,515,408 6/1970 Cagle280/415 R Inventors: Herbert W. Molzahn; Donald K. 3,675,725 7/1972Schultz 280/415 R Tashiro; Harold D. Ralph, all of PrimaryExaminer-Russell R. Kinsey Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Attorney ployd BHarman [73] Assignee: International Harvester Company,

Chicago, Ill. [57] ABSTRACT [22] Filed; Ang, 1, 1972 A pull-type cropharvester having a crop harvesting platform mounted on a wheeled frame.The platform is [21] Appl' 2774,11 elongated transversely to the normalforward direction of travel during a crop harvesting operation. Theframe 52 US. (:1. 56/228, 280/415 R includes a hitch tongue cohnectibleto the towing trac- 51 Int. Cl Ald 75/22 The hitch tongue is Pivowble toa Position trans- [58] Field of Search 56/228; 280/415 R, verse to theforward direction of travel- A transport 230 15 A, 5 3; 17 0 wheel iscarried on the hitch tongue for engaging the ground when the hitchtongue is in the transverse posi- 5 References Cited 7 tion whereby thecrop harvester may be towed in an UNITED STATES PATENTS endwisedirection. An auxiliary hitch pole is connect- 3 I42 144 7/1964 R 56/228ible between an end of the harvester and the tractor for onmng 1.3,240,005 3/1966 Rowse 56/386 the endwlse transport 3,457,709 7/1969Killbery et a]. 56/1 1.9 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Patented Aug. 14,1973 3,751,891

I 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Q Patented Aug. 14, 1973 3,751,891

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patel fled Au 14, 1973 3,751,891

3 Sheets-Sheet L5 IMPLEMENT TRANSPORT STRUCTURE BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally toagricultural implements adapted to be towed behind a tractor and moreparticularly to an implement having structure by which the implement canbe towed in an endwise direction.

2. Prior Art The transverse length of crop harvesting machines such aspulltype windrowers is such as to present difficulties in transportingthe machine along the roadways and through narrow gates betweenharvesting operations. A wide variety of means haye been employed bywhich machines can be converted for endwise transport. Many involveconsiderable dismantling and reassembling of transport structurerequiring undue time and effort. In some systems the wheels whichsupport the implement during normal operation and forward transport, arenot useable for endwise transport. Such wheels are not useable to thefull potential, thereby increasing costs on a time-use basis. Examplesare shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,872,121, 2,696,772, and 2,833,105.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION- draft tongue is in the transport position. Thewheels supporting the implement for normal forward opera tion areshiftable so as to be effective in conjunction with the transport wheelfor rollably supporting the implement for endwise transport.

The invention is characterized by the ease with which the implement canbe converted between the operative and transport modes. The simplicityof the construction and arrangement on the transport structurecontributes to the ease of convertability. For example, the transportwheel is conveniently accessible for shifting movement between itsraised and grounded engaging positions due to its being mounted on thedraft tongue of the implement.

Briefly, the objects of the invention are to provide an implement: whichis readily converted between operative and transport modes; and whichincludes atransport structure of simple construction and readyaccessibility. Y

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. I is a plan of the implement disposedfor operation;

FIG. 2 is -a plan view of the implement disposed for DESCRIPTION OF THEPREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring first to FIG. 1 there is shown apull-type windrower 10 which includes a wheel-supported L- shaped mainframe 12 having a forwardly-extending leg 14 and a transverselyextending leg 16. The leg 16 is rigidly connected to the rear of the legI4 to form the L-shaped structure. A crop harvesting platform 18 issupported from the frame 12 so as to be disposed forwardly at the leg 16and adjacent to the leg 14. The platform 18 preferably includes thecomponents necessary to cut, consolidate, condition, and deposit thecrop onto the ground in a windrow.

The frame 12 is movably supported on a pair of wheels, one of whichbeing shown at 20 disposed beneath the leg 16 approximate to thejuncture thereof with the leg 14. The other wheel is shown at 22disposed beneath the leg 16 near the outer end thereof. In order to pullthe windrower in the forward direction of travel shown by the arrow A, ahitch tongue 24 is pivotally connected at 26 to the forward end of theleg 14. Suitable hitch structure 28 is mounted on the forward end of thetongue at 24 to couple the windrower to a towing tractor.

In accordance with the invention the above described implement includesmeans facilitating quick and easy conversion for endwise transport inthe direction of arrow B. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 the wheel 20 isjournaled on a spindle 30 which includes a vertical portion 32. Theportion 32 is journaled within a housing 34 welded to the frame leg 16and extending vertically downwardly therefrom.

Means are provided by which the wheel 20 may be selectively retained inthe forward position shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 and in a transverse positionshown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 a flat plate 36 is welded tothe bottom end of the housing 34 and includes portions extendingtransversely and rearwardly through which respective openings 38 and 40are defined at from each other on an arc about the center of the spindleportion 32. Another plate 42 is welded to the spindle 30 beneath theplate 36. It will be understood that an opening is defined through theplate 42 at the same distance from the center of the spindle portion 32as the openings 38 and 40 so as to be selectively registerabletherewith. A bolt assembly 44 is insertable through the aligned openingsin the plates 36 and 42 to retain the wheel 20 in either the forward ortransverse position.

The other ground wheel 22 of the windrower may be disposed in either oftwo parallel positions for forward movement as shown in solid lines anddotted lines in FIG. 1. In addition, the wheel 22 is adapted to besteerably coupled to a towing tractor for endwise transport of thewindrower. The wheel 22 is journaled on a spindle 46 (FIGS. 4 and 6)which includes a vertical portion 48. The portion 48 is journaled withina housing 50 welded to the frame leg 16 near the outer end thereof andextending vertically downwardly therefrom in the same manner as thehousing 34.

A flat plate 52 is welded to the bottom end of the housing 50 andincludes portions 54 and 56 on opposite sides respectively of thehousing 50. Each of the portions 54 and 56 includes an opening definedtherethrough (one such opening being shown at 58 through the portion 56)at an equal distance from the center of the spindle portion 48.

A plate 60 is welded to the spindle 46 so as to be disposed beneath theplate 52. An opening 62 is defined through the plate 60 so as to beregisterable with either of the openings in the plate 52 when the entirewheel is shifted about the axis of the spindle portion 48. A boltassembly 64 is insertable through the aligned openings in the plates 52and 60 to retain the wheel 22 in either the solid line or dotted lineforwardly directed positions shown in FIG. 1.

In order to provide steerable control of the windrower for endwisetowing, an auxiliary hitch pole 66 is adapted for removable coupling tothe wheel 22. A pair of axially aligned socket members 68 and 70 aresecured to the spindle 46 as shown. The inner end of the hitch pole 66includes a sleeve portion 72 positionable between and aligned with thesocket members 68 and 70. An elongated bolt 74 is received through thesocket members and the sleeve portion to removably couple the hitch pole66 to the wheel assembly and to provide a horizontal pivot for the hitchpole.

In accordance with a feature of the invention, the normally operativedraft tongue 24 is constructed and arranged to include means forrollably supporting the forward portion of the windrower frame duringendwise transport of the machine. As best shown in FIG. 3 a transportwheel 76 is joumaled on the end of an arm 78, the opposite end of whichis swingably mounted on a side of the tongue 24. A rod 80 is pivotallysupported from a side of the tongue 24 and extends forwardly intoremovable connection with either of a pair of flanges 82 and 84projecting oppositely from an end of the arm 78. It will thus be seenthat the transport wheel 76 is selectively positionable in a groundengaging position and a raised transport position shown in solid linesand dotted lines respectively.

The pivot connection 26 of the draft tongue 24 to the frame leg 14 ispreferably disposed close to a line extending along the forward edge ofthe harvester platform 18. Accordingly the tongue 24 may be pivoted to aposition shown in FIG. 2 wherein the tongue extends generally along theforward edge of the platform so as to dispose the transport wheel 76parallel with the wheel 20 when in its transport position. The forwardend of the frame leg 14 includes an arcuate section 86 defined generallyabout the axis of the pivot connection 26. A plurality of openings 88 isdefined through the arcuate section 86 for selective engagement by alatch assembly 90. The assembly 90 includes a rod 92 which is springbiased into engagement with the section 86 so as to automatically extendinto any one of the various openings 88 as the rod 92 becomes alignedtherewith. Accordingly the tongue 24 may be held in a variety ofpositions for operation and transport. A conventional extensible jack 94is mounted on the draft tongue 24 for supporting the windrower duringcoupling to the tractor and conversion to endwise transport.

In operation, the hitch 28 is coupled to a tractor for towing thewindrower in field operation or in transport in the forward direction ofarrow A. The ground wheel 22 may be set in either the solid line ordotted line position of FIG. 1 as desired by bolting the plate 60 to theplate portion 54 or 56 respectively as shown in FIG. 4. During fieldoperation the various components of the harvesting platform 18 will cut,consolidate, condition, and deposit the crop onto the ground in awindrow.

The conversion for endwise transport requires a minimum of time andeffort. The latch rod 92 is actuated out of engagement with the arcuatesection 86 to free the draft tongue 24 for movement about the pivotconnection 26. The tractor is then driven rearwardly at an angle toswing the tongue 24 as far as practical in the direction of arrow C. Thejack 94 is extended to support the draft tongue 24 and the hitch 28 isuncoupled from the tractor. The transport wheel 76 is lowered byuncoupling the rod from the flange 84, permitting the support arm 78 andwheel 76 to swing downwardly, and then coupling the rod 80 to the otherflange 82. The jack 94 is raised out of contact with the ground to thuslower the wheel 76 into ground engagement.

The windrower is then pushed generally forwardly with the wheel 76serving as a reaction point on the ground against which the tongue 24swings as it pivots about the connection 26. This movement is continueduntil the tongue 24 has assumed the position shown in FIG. 2. The latchrod 92 will then lock the tongue in this transport position. It will beseen with reference to FIG. 2 that in the preferred embodiment of theimplement, the platform 18 is raisable to a position permitting thedraft tongue 24 to be disposed beneath the leading edge of the platform.

The bolt assemblies 44 and 64 of the wheels 20 and 22 respectively areuncoupled to free the wheels for swinging movement about the axes of therespective spindle portions 32 and 48. The wheel 20 is then swung to theposition shown in solid lines in FIG. 2 so as to be disposed in parallelwith the transport wheel 76. The wheel 20 is locked in this transportposition by bolting the plate 42 to the plate 36 through the opening 40(FIG. 5). The hitch pole 66 is then coupled to the wheel assembly 22 andcoupled to the tractor for endwise transport of the windrower.

It will thus be seen that the windrower is movably supported on thewheels 20, 22 and 76, with the wheel 22 providing the steering control.The conversion from the transport mode back to the operational modesimply involves reversing the above described procedure.

What is claimed is:

1. In a crop harvester having a wheel-supported L- shaped main framewhich includes a first leg disposed longitudinally of the forwarddirection of travel of the harvester and a second leg extendingtransversely to said direction from the rear of the first leg, a cropharvesting platform supported from said frame adjacent to said first andsecond legs thereof, wherein the improvement comprises: a hitch tonguepivotally connected to the forward end of said first leg for pivotablemovement between a first position extending forwardly from said firstleg and a second position extending substantially parallel to saidsecond leg; and a transport wheel mounted on said hitch tongue forrollably supporting said harvester for transport in a directiontransverse to the forward direction of travel when said hitch tongue isin said second position.

2. The subject matter of claim 1, wherein said hitch tongue in saidsecond position is disposed along the forward portion of said platform.

3. In a crop harvester adapted for towing behind a tractor, theharvester including a generally horizontal L-shaped frame consisting ofa forwardly extending first leg and a transversely extending second legjoined to the rear of said first leg, a pair of ground wheels supportingsaid frame, a crop harvesting platform supported on said frame forwardlyof said second leg, wherein the improvement comprises: a hitch tongueconnected to the forward end of said first leg and having a forward endadapted to be coupled to the tractor for towing the harvester forwardlyduring a harvesting operation; means mounting said hitch tongue on saidfirst leg for pivotable movement about a generally vertical axis to atransport position generally parallel to said second leg and along thefront of said platform; and a transport wheel mounted on said hitchtongue for rollably supporting the harvester for movement transversely'to the forward direction of travel when said hitch tongue is in saidtransport position.

4. The subject matter of claim 3, including a transport hitch poleconnectable to one of said ground wheels for towing the harvestertransversely to the forward direction of travel.

5. The subject matter of claim 3, including means for raising andlowering said transport wheel relative to said hitch tongue betweenraised and ground-engaging positions, respectively. 7

6. The subject matter of claim 4, including means for selectivelyretaining the other of said pair of ground wheels in a position parallelto said transport wheel when said hitch tongue is disposed in saidtransport position.

7. A mobile implement adapted for towing behind a tractor in either aforward operative direction or an endwise transport direction, saidimplement comprising: a generally horizontal frame having a first legdisposed forwardly and a second leg disposed transversely from the rearof said first leg to define an L-shaped configuration for said frame; afirst ground wheel supporting said frame proximate to the juncture ofsaid first and second legs; a second ground wheel supporting said frameproximate to an end of said second leg disposed away from said juncture;a hitch tongue connected to the forward end of said first leg forcoupling to the tractor for towing the implement in the forwarddirection; means mounting said hitch tongue on the forward end of thefirst leg for pivotable movement about a generally vertical axis to atransport position generally parallel tosaid second leg; and a transportwheel mounted on said hitch tongue for rollably supporting the implementfor endwise transport when said hitch tongue is in said transportposition.

8. The subject matter of claim 7, including means for shifting saidfirst ground wheel to a position parallel to that of said transportwheel when said hitch tongue is in said transport position.

9. The subject matter of claim 7, including means mounting said secondground wheel for swinging movement about a generally vertical axis; andan auxiliary hitch pole connectable to said second ground wheel forcontrolling the direction thereof and connectable to the tractor,whereby the implement may be towed for transport in the endwisedirection line of advance.

10. The subject matter of claim 7, including means for shifting saidfirst ground wheel to a position parallel to that of said transportwheel when said hitch tongue is in said transport position; meansmounting said sec ond ground wheel for swinging movement about agenerally vertical axis; and an auxiliary hitch pole connectable to saidsecond ground wheel for controlling the direction thereof andconnectable to the tractor, whereby the implement may be towed fortransport in the endwise direction.

Ill. The subject matter of claim 7, including means for selectivelyretaining said transport wheel in raised and ground-engaging positionsto provide for forward movement and endwise movement respectively of theimplement.

12. In a harvester adapted for towing behind a tractor and having anelongated frame with its length transverse to the operative line ofadvance, a pair of wheels supporting said frame proximate to the rearthereof, a draft tongue extending forwardly from the frame proximate toone end of the frame and adapted for coupling to the tractor, whereinthe improvement comprises: means mounting said draft tongue forrepositioning to extend transversely to the line of advance and towardan end of the frame opposite to said one end; and a transport wheelmounted on said draft tongue for rollably supporting the forward portionof said frame when said draft tongue is disposed transversely to theline of advance.

13. The subject matter of claim 12, wherein said pair of wheels includesa first wheel proximate to said one end of said frame; and means forselectively retaining said first wheel for rolling movement in atransverse direction parallel to said transport wheel.

14. The subject matter of claim 12, wherein said pair of wheels includesa second wheel proximate to said opposite end of said frame; meansmounting said second wheel for swinging movement about an upright pivotaxis; a tow bar adapted to be connected to a tractor; and means fordetachably connecting said tow bar to said second wheel for steerablecontrol of the harvester for transport in directions transverse to theoperative line of advance.

15. The subject matter of claim 12, wherein said pair of wheels includesa first wheel proximate to said one end of said frame; means forselectively retaining said first wheel for rolling movement in atransverse direction parallel to said transport wheel; said pair ofwheels further including a second wheel proximate to said opposite endof said frame; means mounting said second wheel for swinging movementabout an upright pivot axis; a tow bar adapted to be connected to atractor; and means for detachably connecting said tow bar to said secondwheel for steerable control of the harvester for transport in directionstransverse to the operative t t t

1. In a crop harvester having a wheel-supported L-shaped main framewhich includes a first leg disposed longitudinally of the forwarddirection of travel of the harvester and a second leg extendingtransversely to said direction from the rear of the first leg, a cropharvesting platform supported from said frame adjacent to said first andsecond legs thereof, wherein the improvement comprises: a hitch tonguepivotally connected to the forward end of said first leg for pivotablemovement between a first position extending forwardly from said firstleg and a second position extending substantially parallel to saidsecond leg; and a transport wheel mounted on said hitch tongue forrollably supporting said harvester for transport in a directiontransverse to the forward direction of travel when said hitch tongue isin said second position.
 2. The subject matter of claim 1, wherein saidhitch tongue in said second position is disposed along the forwardportion of said platform.
 3. In a crop harvester adapted for towingbehind a tractor, the harvester including a generally horizontalL-shaped frame consisting of a forwardly extending first leg and atransversely extending second leg joined to the rear of said first leg,a pair of ground wheels supporting said frame, a crop harvestingplatform supported on said frame forwardly of said second leg, whereinthe improvement comprises: a hitch tongue connected to the forward endof said first leg and having a forward end adapted to be coupled to thetractor for towing the harvester forwardly during a harvestingoperation; means mounting said hitch tongue on said first leg forpivotable movement about a generally vertical axis to a transportposition generally parallel to said second leg and along the front ofsaid platform; and a transport wheel mounted on said hitch tongue forrollably supporting the harvester for movement transversely to theforward direction of travel when said hitch tongue is in said transportposition.
 4. The subject matter of claim 3, including a transport hitchpole connectable to one of said ground wheels for towing the harvestertransversely to the forward direction of travel.
 5. The subject matterof claim 3, including means for raising and lowering said transportwheel relative to said hitch tongue between raised and ground-engagingpositions, respectively.
 6. The subject matter of claim 4, includingmeans for selectively retaining the other of said pair of ground wheelsin a position parallel to said transport wheel when said hitch tongue isdisposed in said transpOrt position.
 7. A mobile implement adapted fortowing behind a tractor in either a forward operative direction or anendwise transport direction, said implement comprising: a generallyhorizontal frame having a first leg disposed forwardly and a second legdisposed transversely from the rear of said first leg to define anL-shaped configuration for said frame; a first ground wheel supportingsaid frame proximate to the juncture of said first and second legs; asecond ground wheel supporting said frame proximate to an end of saidsecond leg disposed away from said juncture; a hitch tongue connected tothe forward end of said first leg for coupling to the tractor for towingthe implement in the forward direction; means mounting said hitch tongueon the forward end of the first leg for pivotable movement about agenerally vertical axis to a transport position generally parallel tosaid second leg; and a transport wheel mounted on said hitch tongue forrollably supporting the implement for endwise transport when said hitchtongue is in said transport position.
 8. The subject matter of claim 7,including means for shifting said first ground wheel to a positionparallel to that of said transport wheel when said hitch tongue is insaid transport position.
 9. The subject matter of claim 7, includingmeans mounting said second ground wheel for swinging movement about agenerally vertical axis; and an auxiliary hitch pole connectable to saidsecond ground wheel for controlling the direction thereof andconnectable to the tractor, whereby the implement may be towed fortransport in the endwise direction.
 10. The subject matter of claim 7,including means for shifting said first ground wheel to a positionparallel to that of said transport wheel when said hitch tongue is insaid transport position; means mounting said second ground wheel forswinging movement about a generally vertical axis; and an auxiliaryhitch pole connectable to said second ground wheel for controlling thedirection thereof and connectable to the tractor, whereby the implementmay be towed for transport in the endwise direction.
 11. The subjectmatter of claim 7, including means for selectively retaining saidtransport wheel in raised and ground-engaging positions to provide forforward movement and endwise movement respectively of the implement. 12.In a harvester adapted for towing behind a tractor and having anelongated frame with its length transverse to the operative line ofadvance, a pair of wheels supporting said frame proximate to the rearthereof, a draft tongue extending forwardly from the frame proximate toone end of the frame and adapted for coupling to the tractor, whereinthe improvement comprises: means mounting said draft tongue forrepositioning to extend transversely to the line of advance and towardan end of the frame opposite to said one end; and a transport wheelmounted on said draft tongue for rollably supporting the forward portionof said frame when said draft tongue is disposed transversely to theline of advance.
 13. The subject matter of claim 12, wherein said pairof wheels includes a first wheel proximate to said one end of saidframe; and means for selectively retaining said first wheel for rollingmovement in a transverse direction parallel to said transport wheel. 14.The subject matter of claim 12, wherein said pair of wheels includes asecond wheel proximate to said opposite end of said frame; meansmounting said second wheel for swinging movement about an upright pivotaxis; a tow bar adapted to be connected to a tractor; and means fordetachably connecting said tow bar to said second wheel for steerablecontrol of the harvester for transport in directions transverse to theoperative line of advance.
 15. The subject matter of claim 12, whereinsaid pair of wheels includes a first wheel proximate to said one end ofsaid frame; means for selectively retaining said first wheel for rollingmovement in a transverse direction parallel to said transport wheel;said pair of wheels further including a second wheel proximate to saidopposite end of said frame; means mounting said second wheel forswinging movement about an upright pivot axis; a tow bar adapted to beconnected to a tractor; and means for detachably connecting said tow barto said second wheel for steerable control of the harvester fortransport in directions transverse to the operative line of advance.